TMF Community Stories

Honoring a Hero, Inspiring a Generation: Surviving Sister Willow Clerici’s Journey

Willow Clerici is a dedicated Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) Mentor, using her lived experiences to empower youth—especially those with special needs—with messages of courage, character, and leadership. Inspired by the loss of her brother, a 9/11 first responder, Willow found healing through service. Now, she’s beginning a new chapter in TMF’s Spartan Leadership Program to grow as a community leader and deepen her impact.

The Hard Way: A Journey Into Discomfort, Reflection, and Connection

This past year, Travis Manion Foundation’s CEO Ryan Manion stepped far outside of her comfort zone—into the woods, into silence, and into something that would leave a lasting mark.

TMF Partners

USAA Foundation Helps Families of Fallen Heroes Find Healing and Empowerment After Loss

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) and USAA Foundation are empowering surviving family members of fallen heroes through Survivor Expeditions, leadership programs, and the national initiative Face the Fight, all aimed at fostering healing, purpose, and community impact.

Press Room

Turn5 Presents the Driven to Serve Muscle Car, Jeep & Truck Show Benefiting Travis Manion Foundation

Turn5, a leading provider of aftermarket automotive parts, is proud to present the Driven to Serve Muscle Car, Jeep & Truck Show, an action-packed event benefiting Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). Taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Maple Grove Raceway, this high-octane event brings together automotive enthusiasts and the veteran community for a day of horsepower, camaraderie, and philanthropy.

Press Room

Stand Together and Red River Rising Announce 2025 Benefit Concert Featuring Old Dominion to Benefit Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is the featured beneficiary of the 2025 Stand Together Presents Old Dominion benefit concert, held on September 11 at the Moody Center in Austin, TX. Co-produced with Red River Rising, this high-impact event harnesses the power of live music to support TMF’s mission of empowering veterans and families of the fallen to inspire character and foster connection in future generations. With all net ticket proceeds benefiting TMF, the partnership highlights the organization’s commitment to building resilient communities and addressing veteran isolation and well-being through purpose-driven service and leadership.

TMF Partners

Travis Manion Foundation Adapts Character Does Matter Program to Include Visually-Impaired Mentors and Youth

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is expanding Character Does Matter powered by Under Armour to include visually-impaired Veteran Mentors and youth. In partnership with the Metrolina Association for the Blind, TMF has launched an 8-week character course for students in the Charlotte area, ensuring character and leadership development is accessible to all. With hands-on training and mentorship, veterans like Ben Lochary and Keith Robinson are inspiring the next generation, proving that leadership is about mindset, not physical ability.

TMF Community Stories 23-Apr-2017

Beau Higgins

What Legacy Means to Me: “If people remember me as someone that put others first and was a Man for Others…that would be the legacy I would like to have and that I strive to obtain.”

TMF Community Stories 19-Apr-2017

Heather Sarver

My Role Model: Brendan Looney, US Navy SEAL, KIA September 21st, 2010

TMF Community Stories 17-Apr-2017

Ira Leslie

Growing up, I thought my Dad was the meanest person ever. It felt like I spent a lot of my time being punished for something every day. As I got older and matured, I began to understand that he wasn’t punishing me.

TMF Community Stories 14-Apr-2017

Nisha Sharma

What Legacy Means to Me: “This is the legacy I want to leave behind: As long as you are committed, dedicated, and truthful towards your goals, you will achieve your dreams.”

TMF Community Stories 10-Apr-2017

Brad Osmun

My mom was an elementary school teacher and military spouse for 26 years in the Air Force. She always put her family and her students before herself.

TMF Community Stories 05-Apr-2017

Charlene Westbrook

My Story_ On a cool, colorful evening during a brisk and breezy fall night in 2009, I became a Gold Star Spouse. In my arms was my husband, my soulmate, my childhood sweetheart and my military man.

TMF Community Stories 03-Apr-2017

Bob Craven

My role model is Capt. Scott E. Craven, my son (USAFA ’02, Embry-Riddle Univ ’06). As much as I admired and respected Scott, I don’t think I really understood his life until after his passing in 2006.